Systems and methods for uninterruptible power supplies with bidirectional power converters

ABSTRACT

Electrical power systems and methods using bidirectional power converters to provide, among other functions, uninterruptible power supplies for loads such as cell towers. The power-packet-switching power converter can be connected, for example, to a photovoltaic array, batteries, and a critical load such as a cell tower. An AC generator can also be connected in order to power the cell tower and/or to charge the batteries as needed. Green energy utilization is maximized, power conversion efficiency is increased, and system costs are decreased, by having only a single power conversion stage for all conversions.

CROSS-REFERENCE

Priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional 61/817,092 filed Apr. 29,2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to power converters, and morespecifically, to uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with photovoltaicarray and battery.

Note that the points discussed below may reflect the hindsight gainedfrom the disclosed inventions, and are not necessarily admitted to beprior art.

A new kind of power converter was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,599,196entitled “Universal power conversion methods,” which is incorporated byreference into the present application in its entirety. This patentdescribes a bidirectional (or multidirectional) power converter whichpumps power into and out of a link inductor which is shunted by acapacitor.

The switch arrays at the ports are operated to achieve zero-voltageswitching by totally isolating the link inductor+capacitor combinationat times when its voltage is desired to be changed. (When theinductor+capacitor combination is isolated at such times, the inductor'scurrent will change the voltage of the capacitor, as in a resonantcircuit. This can even change the sign of the voltage, without loss ofenergy.) This architecture has subsequently been referred to as a“current-modulating” or “Power Packet Switching” architecture.Bidirectional power switches are used to provide a full bipolar(reversible) connection from each of multiple lines, at each port, tothe rails connected to the link inductor and its capacitor. The basicoperation of this architecture is shown, in the context of thethree-phase to three-phase example of patent FIG. 1, in the sequence ofdrawings from patent FIG. 12 a to patent FIG. 12 j.

The ports of this converter can be AC or DC, and will normally bebidirectional (at least for AC ports). Individual lines of each port areeach connected to a “phase leg,” i.e. a pair of switches which permitthat line to be connected to either of two “rails” (i.e. the twoconductors which are connected to the two ends of the link inductor). Itis important to note that these switches are bidirectional, so thatthere are four current flows possible in each phase leg: the line cansource current to either rail, or can sink current from either rail.

Many different improvements and variations are shown in the basicpatent. For example, variable-frequency drive is shown (for controllinga three-phase motor from a three-phase power line), DC and single-phaseports are shown (patent FIG. 21), as well as three- and four-portsystems, applications to photovoltaic systems (patent FIG. 23),applications to Hybrid Electric vehicles (patent FIG. 24), applicationsto power conditioning (patent FIG. 29), half-bridge configurations(patent FIGS. 25 and 26), systems where a transformer is included (tosegment the rails, and allow different operating voltages at differentports) (patent FIG. 22), and power combining (patent FIG. 28).

Improvements and modifications of this basic architecture have also beendisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,391,033, 8,295,069, 8,531,858, and8,461,718, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The term “converter” has sometimes been used to refer specifically toDC-to-DC converters, as distinct from DC-AC “inverters” and/or AC-ACfrequency-changing “cycloconverters.” However, in the presentapplication the word converter is used more generally, to refer to allof these types and more, and especially to converters using acurrent-modulating or power-packet-switching architecture.

Photovoltaic arrays and other renewable power generation systems havebecome common around the world in recent years, mainly due to growingcosts of fuel based power generation. These renewable power generationsystems can allow sustaining a micro-grid. However, renewable powergeneration systems demand a series of power conversion stages which canresult in reduced efficiency as well as higher costs of production. Forexample, the power for a structure such as a cell tower can be providedby a PV array and a series of batteries. However, for this system towork, a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) converter may beneeded for the photovoltaic array to supply power to the cell tower.Furthermore, an AC to DC converter may be needed in order for this powerto charge the batteries. Finally, when required, the power from thebatteries may need a second DC to AC converter in order to reach thecell tower.

For the aforementioned reasons, there is a need for a single stage powerconversion system in order to optimize UPS systems within micro-grids.

The present application teaches, among other innovations, methods andsystems using bidirectional power converters to provide, among otherfunctions, uninterruptible power supplies for loads such as cell towers.The power-packet-switching power converter can be connected, forexample, to a photovoltaic array, batteries, and a critical load such asa cell tower. An AC generator can also be connected in order to powerthe cell tower and/or to charge the batteries as needed. Green energyutilization is maximized, power conversion efficiency is increased, andsystem costs are decreased, by having only a single power conversionstage for all conversions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed inventions will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, which show important sample embodiments and whichare incorporated in the specification hereof by reference, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows one sample embodiment of a power conversion system.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view for a second power conversion system,according to the prior art.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view for a bidirectional 3-port powerconversion system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view for a third power conversion system,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a power conversion system, according tothe prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will bedescribed with particular reference to presently preferred embodiments(by way of example, and not of limitation). The present applicationdescribes several inventions, and none of the statements below should betaken as limiting the claims generally.

The present application discloses new approaches to converting DC powerto AC power and AC power to DC power using a three-port power converterconfigured as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

Some exemplary parameters will be given to illustrate the relationsbetween these and other parameters. However it will be understood by aperson of ordinary skill in the art that these values are merelyillustrative, and will be modified by scaling of further devicegenerations, and will be further modified to adapt to differentmaterials or architectures if used.

The present application teaches that bidirectional power converters canbe used as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for loads such as celltowers. A bidirectional power converter can be connected to one or morephotovoltaic arrays, one or more batteries, and a cell tower. Thephotovoltaic arrays can be used to power the cell tower when possible,and can direct any excess power into the batteries to be stored forlater use. The batteries can then be used to supplement or replace thephotovoltaic arrays when the arrays are generating no or insufficientpower to support the cell tower.

A single bidirectional power conversion system can support multipleindependent DC ports in a single power conversion stage, thereforeincreasing power generation efficiency and reducing costs. Disclosedthree-port power conversion modules can eliminate the power electronicsrelated inefficiency and cost penalties of integrating an AC powergenerator, a stationary battery, and a photovoltaic array. Furthermore,this three-port topology can allow storing energy generated by aphotovoltaic array to a battery or series of batteries. This energy canthereafter be used to supply AC power to a structure such as a celltower; the three-port power conversion module converting the DC powerfrom the photovoltaic array and the battery or series of batteries intoAC power.

The AC power generator may be used when energy from a photovoltaic arrayand one or more batteries is lower than the energy required by a celltower. Excess AC power can be supplied to charge the battery by routingthrough the three-port power conversion module to convert the AC powerfrom the AC power generator into DC power to supply to the battery orseries of batteries.

DEFINITIONS

All scientific and technical terms used in the present disclosure havemeanings commonly used in the art, unless otherwise specified. Thedefinitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certainterms used frequently and are not meant to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure.

“Power converter” refers to electromechanical devices used forconversion of electric energy from one form into another from an inputto an output, including DC to DC, DC to AC, and AC-AC, single and threephases and different voltage levels and frequencies, among othervariations.

“Link” refers to a resonant circuit including at least one link inductorand one link capacitor connected in parallel.

“Soft switching” refers to a zero voltage switching that preventsswitching losses and stress when current passes through switches in apower converter.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a view for a first power conversion system100 under the prior art. First power conversion system 100 can includephotovoltaic array 102, first DC-AC converter 104, AC-DC converter 106,batteries 108, second DC-AC converter 110, and cell tower 112.

In first power conversion system 100, photovoltaic array 102 andbatteries 108 can provide constant AC power to cell tower 112. Asdepicted, DC power generated by photovoltaic array 102 can betransferred to a first DC-AC converter 104 to convert DC power into ACpower to supply AC power to cell tower 112. Furthermore, AC generated byfirst DC-AC converter 104 can be transferred to an AC-DC converter 106and used to charge batteries 108 with converted DC power. Power frombatteries 108 can thereafter be transferred to a second DC-AC converter110 to power cell tower 112 with AC power.

As depicted, batteries 108 can supply sufficient power during poweroutages of photovoltaic array 102 to power cell tower 112. Additionally,when power generation from photovoltaic array 102 is zero, batteries 108can supply the complete power requirement from cell tower 112.Furthermore, when power requirement from cell tower 112 is lower thanthe power generated by photovoltaic array 102, the remaining power fromphotovoltaic array 102 can be used to charge batteries 108.

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view for a second power conversion system200, according to the prior art. With reference to FIG. 6, second powerconversion system 200 can include photovoltaic array 102, first DC-ACconverter 104, AC-DC converter 106, batteries 108, second DC-ACconverter 110, cell tower 112, and AC power generator 202.

As depicted, in second power conversion system 200, photovoltaic array102, batteries 108, or AC power generator 202 can provide constant ACpower to cell tower 112. DC generated by photovoltaic array 102 can betransferred to a first DC-AC converter 104 to supply AC power to celltower 112. Furthermore, AC generated by first DC-AC converter 104 can betransferred to an AC-DC converter 106 to charge batteries 108. Powerfrom batteries 108 can thereafter be transferred to second DC-ACconverter 110 to supply power to cell tower 112.

Batteries 108 can supply sufficient power during power outages ofphotovoltaic array 102 to power cell tower 112. Additionally, when powergeneration from photovoltaic array 102 is zero, batteries 108 can supplythe complete power requirement of cell tower 112. Furthermore, whenpower requirement from cell tower 112 is lower than the power generatedby photovoltaic array 102, the remaining power from photovoltaic array102 can be used to charge batteries 108. AC power generator 202 may beused to supply AC power when batteries 108 are depleted and power fromphotovoltaic array 102 is low or zero.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view for a power conversion system 500,according to an embodiment. Power conversion system 500 can includephotovoltaic array 102, conversion module 306, batteries 108, cell tower112, and AC power generator 202. Where batteries 108 can refer to firstinput portal 302, photovoltaic array 102 can refer to second inputportal 304, and cell tower 112 can refer to output portal 308 (explainedin FIG. 3).

In power conversion system 500, photovoltaic array 102, batteries 108,or AC power generator 202 can provide constant AC power to cell tower112. According to power conversion system 500, DC generated byphotovoltaic array 102 can be transferred to conversion module 306 andconverted into AC to supply AC power to cell tower 112. Furthermore,when power requirement from cell tower 112 is lower than the powergenerated by photovoltaic array 102, power from photovoltaic array 102can charge batteries 108.

Batteries 108 can supply sufficient power to cell tower 112 during poweroutages of photovoltaic array 102, so when power generation fromphotovoltaic array 102 is zero, batteries 108 can supply the completepower requirement to cell tower 112. AC power generator 202 can be usedto supply AC power when batteries 108 are depleted and power fromphotovoltaic array 102 is low or zero. Additionally, when AC powergenerator 202 supplies more power than required by cell tower 112, theexcess power can be routed to batteries 108 through conversion module306. The power conversion module 306 can then convert the excess ACpower supplied from power generator 202 into DC power to chargebatteries 108.

A control circuit (not shown) in the power conversion system 500includes sensor circuitry able to detect power levels delivered by theAC power generator 202 and photovoltaic array 102, batteries 108, andrequired by the cell tower 112. The control circuit can control theconversion module 306 to route and convert power between theinput/output portals as described above. Also, the control circuit caninclude switches and other control means to activate the AC powergenerator 202 and switch over to supply power to the cell tower 112 fromthe AC power generator 202 using the conversion module 306 whenphotovoltaic array 102 and batteries 108 deliver insufficient AC powerto the cell tower 112.

The 3-port power conversion system 300 used in power conversion system500 can perform AC-DC and DC-AC conversions in one single stage,therefore decreasing costs of production and increasing efficiency.

FIG. 3 shows a bidirectional three-port power conversion system 300, inaccordance with the present disclosure. Three-port power conversionsystem 300 can be used to convert energy from first input portal 302 andsecond input portal 304, passing through conversion module 306 to outputportal 308 while adjusting a wide range of voltages, current levels,power factors, and frequencies between the portals.

According to an exemplary embodiment, first input portal 302 can includea DC generator, such as batteries 108. Second input portal 304 caninclude a second DC port such as photovoltaic array 102. Output portal308 can be a three phase AC port enhanced with an active neutral 310 tosupport micro-grid functionality. Furthermore, output portal 308 caninclude an AC-powered structure, such as cell tower 112.

As depicted, conversion module 306 can include different bidirectionalswitches 312 connected between first input portal 302, second inputportal 304, and link 314 to output portal 308. Each of bidirectionalswitches 312 can conduct and block current in two directions, and can becomposed of bidirectional internal gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) orother bidirectional switches. Most combinations of bidirectionalswitches contain two independently controlled gates, with each gatecontrolling current flow in one direction. Generally, in the exemplaryembodiments described and depicted, when switches are enabled, only thegate that controls current in the desired direction is enabled.

Link 314 can include link inductor 316 and link capacitor 318, connectedin parallel with link inductor 316, forming a resonant circuit that canallow for soft switching and flexibility of adjusting link 314 voltageto meet individual needs of first input portal 302, second input portal304, and output portal 308. Additionally, link 314 can provide isolationbetween first input portal 302, second input portal 304, and outputportal 308, eliminating the need for a transformer, as well as improvingspeed of response and reducing acoustic noise in case of frequency beingoutside audible range.

Furthermore, as depicted, filter capacitors 320 can be placed betweeninput phases and also between output phases, in order to closelyapproximate first input portal 302, second input portal 304, and outputportal 308, and to attenuate current pulses produced by thebidirectional switches 312 and link inductor 316. An input line reactorcan be needed in some applications to isolate the voltage ripple on theinput and output filter capacitors 320.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view for a third power conversion system 400,according to an exemplary embodiment. As depicted, third powerconversion system 400 can include photovoltaic array 102, conversionmodule 306, batteries 108, and cell tower 112. Batteries 108 can connectto first input portal 302, photovoltaic array 102 can connect to secondinput portal 304, and cell tower 112 can connect to output portal 308(explained in FIG. 3).

In third power conversion system 400, photovoltaic array 102 andbatteries 108 can provide constant AC power to cell tower 112. DCgenerated by photovoltaic array 102 can be transferred to conversionmodule 306 to convert into AC power and supply AC power to cell tower112. Furthermore, when power requirement from cell tower 112 is lowerthan the AC power generated by photovoltaic array 102, the excess powergenerated by photovoltaic array 102 can be converted to DC by powermodule 306 and used to charge batteries 108.

Batteries 108 can supply sufficient power during power outages fromphotovoltaic array 102 to power cell tower 112, with the conversionmodule 306 converting the batteries 108 DC power into AC power.Additionally, when power generation from photovoltaic array 102 is zero,batteries 108 can supply the complete AC power requirement for celltower 112.

The 3-port power conversion system 300 used in third power conversionsystem 400 can perform AC-DC and DC-AC conversions in one single stage,therefore decreasing costs of production and increasing efficiency.

Variations

In a first variation, third power conversion system 400 supplies powerto one or more residential houses instead of cell tower 112. In a secondvariation, fourth power conversion system 500 supplies power to acommercial building instead of cell tower 112. In a third variation,fourth power conversion system 500 supplies power to an industrialbuilding instead of cell tower 112. As can be readily appreciated, anynumber of types of powered devices or installations can be substitutedfor cell tower 112.

Advantages

The disclosed innovations, in various embodiments, provide one or moreof at least the following advantages. However, not all of theseadvantages result from every one of the innovations disclosed, and thislist of advantages does not limit the various claimed inventions.

-   -   Reduce weight and costs.    -   Improve efficiency.    -   Simplify control.    -   Reduce the complexity of a power energy system harnessing solar        generated DC, battery generated DC, and generator generated AC        energy by eliminating at least one power conversion stage.    -   Improve power availability and reliability by utilizing two        separate energy sources for generating electrical power.    -   Realize synergistic benefits from an integration of two separate        energy sources into one electric power converter system.

According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there isprovided: Electrical power systems and methods using bidirectional powerconverters to provide, among other functions, uninterruptible powersupplies for loads such as cell towers. The power-packet-switching powerconverter can be connected, for example, to a photovoltaic array,batteries, and a critical load such as a cell tower. An AC generator canalso be connected in order to power the cell tower and/or to charge thebatteries as needed. Green energy utilization is maximized, powerconversion efficiency is increased, and system costs are decreased, byhaving only a single power conversion stage for all conversions.

According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there isprovided: An electrical power system, comprising: a multiport powerconverter, comprising a plurality of electrical ports, each having atleast two lines, and an energy transfer reactance comprising an inductorand a capacitor in parallel, wherein each said line of each said port isconnected to each end of said energy transfer reactance through multiplerespective bidirectional switches; a DC power source connected to afirst one of said ports, and an AC power source connected to a secondone of said ports, a third one of said ports being connected to lines ofa utility power grid, and a fourth one of said ports being connected toan electrical load; and wherein said converter draws power from saidfirst, second, and/or third ports, and drives power into said first,third, and/or fourth ports, while changing the frequency and/or phase ofpower received at said second port to thereby provide powersynchronously to said third and/or fourth ports, and while alsocompensating transients when power is output to said first port, tothereby provide a smooth power waveform.

According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there isprovided: An electrical power system, comprising: a multiport powerconverter, comprising a plurality of electrical ports, each having atleast two lines, and an energy transfer reactance comprising an inductorand a capacitor in parallel, wherein each said line of each said port isconnected to each end of said energy transfer reactance through multiplerespective bidirectional switches; one or more DC power sourcesconnected to respective first ones of said ports, and one or more ACpower sources connected to respective second ones of said ports, a thirdone of said ports being connected through switchgear to lines of autility power grid, and one or more fourth ones of said ports beingconnected to provide one or more respective electrical load terminals,and; wherein said converter draws power from said first, second, and/orthird ports, and drives power into said first, third, and/or fourthports, while changing the frequency and/or phase of power received atsaid one or more second ports to thereby provide power synchronously tosaid third and/or fourth ports, and while also compensating transientswhen power is output to said one or more first ports, to thereby providea smooth power waveform.

According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there isprovided: An electrical power system, comprising: a bidirectionalmultiport power converter, comprising: a plurality of input/outputportals, each comprising one or more ports; an energy transfer reactancecomprising an inductor and a capacitor in parallel, wherein each saidport of each said input/output portal is connected in parallel to eachend of said energy transfer reactance by a pair of bidirectionalswitching devices; wherein, at various times, said energy transferreactance can be connected to two said ports, to transfer energy therebetween; and wherein, at various times, said energy transfer reactancecan be disconnected from said input/output portals; a DC power sourceconnected to a first said input/output portal of said bidirectionalmultiport power converter supplying converted AC power to an electricalload under normal condition, said electrical load being connected to asecond said input/output portal; at least one battery connected to athird said input/output portal of said bidirectional multiport powerconverter; wherein said at least one battery supplies AC power to theelectrical load when said electrical load requires more AC power thansaid DC power source can supply.

According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there isprovided: A method for providing uninterruptible power, comprising theactions of: using a bidirectional multiport power converter to convertand route a power input, wherein the bidirectional multiport powerconverter comprises: a plurality of input/output portals, eachcomprising one or more ports; an energy transfer reactance comprising aninductor and a capacitor in parallel, wherein each said port of eachsaid input/output portal is connected in parallel to each end of saidenergy transfer reactance by a pair of bidirectional switching devices;wherein, at various times, said energy transfer reactance can beconnected to two said ports, to transfer energy there between; andwherein, at various times, said energy transfer reactance can bedisconnected from said input/output portals; connecting a DC powersource to a first input/output portal of the bidirectional multiportpower converter to supply converted AC power to an AC-powered constructunder normal condition, the AC-powered construct connected to a secondinput/output portal; connecting a plurality of batteries to a thirdinput/output portal of the bidirectional multiport power converter; andoperating the bidirectional multiport power converter to supply AC powerto the AC-powered construct from the plurality of batteries if the DCpower source fails to deliver sufficient DC power to convert and supplyan AC power requirement to the AC-powered construct.

According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there isprovided: An uninterruptible power system, comprising: a bidirectionalmultiport power converter, comprising: a plurality of input/outputportals, each comprising one or more ports; an energy transfer reactancecomprising an inductor and a capacitor in parallel, wherein each saidport of each said input/output portal is connected in parallel to eachend of said energy transfer reactance by a pair of bidirectionalswitching devices; wherein, at various times, said energy transferreactance can be connected to two said ports, to transfer energy therebetween; and wherein, at various times, said energy transfer reactancecan be disconnected from said input/output portals; a DC power sourcegenerating a first DC power signal connected to a first input/outputportal of the bidirectional multiport power converter supplyingconverted power under normal conditions to a load connected to a secondinput/output portal of the bidirectional multiport power converter; abank of batteries storing power to provide a second DC power signalconnected to a third input/output portal of the bidirectional multiportpower converter; and an AC generator connected to the load; wherein thebank of batteries supplies a converted required power to the load whenthe load requires more required power than the DC power source cangenerate; and the AC generator activating to supply the required powerto the load when the load requires more required power than the DC powersource can generate and the bank of batteries can supply.

According to some but not necessarily all embodiments, there isprovided: A method for providing uninterruptible power, comprising:using a bidirectional multiport power converter to convert and route apower input, wherein the bidirectional multiport power convertercomprises: a plurality of input/output portals, each comprising one ormore ports; an energy transfer reactance comprising an inductor and acapacitor in parallel, wherein each said port of each said input/outputportal is connected in parallel to each end of said energy transferreactance by a pair of bidirectional switching devices; wherein, atvarious times, said energy transfer reactance can be connected to twosaid ports, to transfer energy there between; and wherein, at varioustimes, said energy transfer reactance can be disconnected from saidinput/output portals; generating a first DC power signal using a DCpower source connected to a first input/output portal of thebidirectional multiport power converter supplying converted power undernormal conditions to a load connected to a second input/output portal ofthe bidirectional multiport power converter; storing power in a bank ofbatteries to provide a second DC power signal connected to a thirdinput/output portal of the bidirectional multiport power converter;connecting an AC generator to the load; and activating the AC generatorto supply the required power to the load when the load requires morerequired power than the DC power source can generate and the bank ofbatteries can supply wherein the bank of batteries supplies a convertedrequired power to the load when the load requires more required powerthan the DC power source can generate.

Modifications and Variations

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the innovativeconcepts described in the present application can be modified and variedover a tremendous range of applications, and accordingly the scope ofpatented subject matter is not limited by any of the specific exemplaryteachings given. It is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

In one possible variant, the power system can be utilized in maritimeapplications, supplementing sail or diesel power.

Another possible variation is in light aircraft, more specifically insurveillance drones. In one possible embodiment, the drone canincorporate solar power cells in the wings, batteries, and an internalcombustion engine or diesel engine powering a dual mode generator thatcan also functions as a motor. The dual mode generator is geared andconnected to 3-port power conversion module, so that in the event ofengine failure, the dual mode generator can begin functioning as anelectric motor powering the drone until landing powered by converted DCto AC power from the power conversion module provided by the solar powercells or batteries.

Another possible variation provides supplemental and backup power to acomputer server facility. In the event of a power failure or shortage ofpower, supplemental and emergency power can be provided by solar,batteries, and an emergency generator according to an embodiment.

Other possible facilities or installations requiring uninterruptiblepower can included medical clinics and hospitals, labs,security/monitoring systems, assisted living facilities, and nursinghomes or other health care facilities.

Additional general background, which helps to show variations andimplementations, may be found in the following publications, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference: US 2012/0032507; U.S. Pat.No. 8,013,472; U.S. Pat. No. 7,656,059; U.S. Pat. No. 7,560,906; U.S.Pat. No. 7,531,915.

Additional general background, which helps to show variations andimplementations, as well as some features which can be implementedsynergistically with the inventions claimed below, may be found in thefollowing US patent applications. All of these applications have atleast some common ownership, copendency, and inventorship with thepresent application, and all of them, as well as any material directlyor indirectly incorporated within them, are hereby incorporated byreference: U.S. Pat. No. 8,406,265, U.S. Pat. No. 8,400,800, U.S. Pat.No. 8,395,910, U.S. Pat. No. 8,391,033, U.S. Pat. No. 8,345,452, U.S.Pat. No. 8,300,426, U.S. Pat. No. 8,295,069, U.S. Pat. No. 7,778,045,U.S. Pat. No. 7,599,196, US 2012-0279567 A1, US 2012-0268975 A1, US2012-0274138 A1, US 2013-0038129 A1, US 2012-0051100 A1, Ser. Nos.14/182,243, 14/182,236, PCT/US14/16740, Ser. Nos. 14/182,245,14/182,246, 14/183,403, 14/182,249, 14/182,250, 14/182,251, 14/182,256,14/182,268, 14/183,259, 14/182,265, 14/183,415, 14/182,280, 14/183,422,14/182,252, 14/183,245, 14/183,274, 14/183,289, 14/183,309, 14/183,335,14/183,371, 14/182,270, 14/182,277, 14/207,039, 14/209,885; USProvisionals 61/765,098, 61/765,099, 61/765,100, 61/765,102, 61/765,104,61/765,107, 61/765,110, 61/765,112, 61/765,114, 61/765,116, 61/765,118,61/765,119, 61/765,122, 61/765,123, 61/765,126, 61/765,129, 61/765,131,61/765,132, 61/765,137, 61/765,139, 61/765,144, 61/765,146 all filedFeb. 15, 2013; 61/778,648, 61/778,661, 61/778,680, 61/784,001 all filedMar. 13, 2013; 61/814,993 filed Apr. 23, 2013; 61/817,012, 61/817,019,61/817,092 filed Apr. 29, 2013; 61/838,578 filed Jun. 24, 2013;61/841,618, 61/841,621, 61/841,624 all filed Jul. 1, 2013; 61/914,491and 61/914,538 filed Dec. 11, 2013; 61/924,884 filed Jan. 8, 2014;61/925,311 filed Jan. 9, 2014; 61/928,133 filed Jan. 16, 2014;61/928,644 filed Jan. 17, 2014; 61/929,731 and 61/929,874 filed Jan. 21,2014; 61/931,785 filed Jan. 27, 2014; 61/932,422 filed Jan. 28, 2014;and 61/933,442 filed Jan. 30, 2014; and all priority applications of anyof the above thereof, each and every one of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

None of the description in the present application should be read asimplying that any particular element, step, or function is an essentialelement which must be included in the claim scope: THE SCOPE OF PATENTEDSUBJECT MATTER IS DEFINED ONLY BY THE ALLOWED CLAIMS. Moreover, none ofthese claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC section 112unless the exact words “means for” are followed by a participle.

The claims as filed are intended to be as comprehensive as possible, andNO subject matter is intentionally relinquished, dedicated, orabandoned.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A method for providing uninterruptible power,comprising the actions of: using a bidirectional multiport powerconverter to convert and route a power input, wherein the bidirectionalmultiport power converter comprises: a plurality of input/outputportals, each comprising one or more ports; an energy transfer reactancecomprising an inductor and a capacitor in parallel, wherein each saidport of each said input/output portal is connected in parallel to eachend of said energy transfer reactance by a pair of bidirectionalswitching devices; wherein, at various times, said energy transferreactance can be connected to two said ports, to transfer energy therebetween; and wherein, at various times, said energy transfer reactancecan be disconnected from said input/output portals; connecting a DCpower source to a first input/output portal of the bidirectionalmultiport power converter to supply converted AC power to an AC-poweredconstruct under normal condition, the AC-powered construct connected toa second input/output portal; connecting a plurality of batteries to athird input/output portal of the bidirectional multiport powerconverter; and operating the bidirectional multiport power converter tosupply AC power to the AC-powered construct from the plurality ofbatteries if the DC power source fails to deliver sufficient DC power toconvert and supply an AC power requirement to the AC-powered construct.19. The method for providing uninterruptible power of claim 18, wherein,when said DC source is generating more power than required to power saidAC-powered construct, operating the bidirectional multiport powerconverter to convert excess AC power to DC power to provide to theplurality of batteries to charge said batteries.
 20. The method forproviding uninterruptible power of claim 18, wherein, when said DCsource is generating less power than required to power said AC-poweredconstruct, operating the bidirectional multiport power converter todeliver AC power to the AC-powered construct from the plurality ofbatteries.
 21. The method for providing uninterruptible power of claim18, further comprising an AC source connected to the AC-poweredconstruct; wherein, when the AC power generated by the AC power sourceexceeds the AC power required by the AC-powered construct, the excess ACpower is converted to DC power to charge the plurality of batteries. 22.The method for providing uninterruptible power of claim 18, wherein theAC power source comprises an electric generator.
 23. The method forproviding uninterruptible power of claim 18, wherein the AC-poweredconstruct comprises at least one of: an installation; a building; acommercial building; a conveyance; a communication tower; and a computerserver facility. 24-31. (canceled)
 32. A method for providinguninterruptible power, comprising: using a bidirectional multiport powerconverter to convert and route a power input, wherein the bidirectionalmultiport power converter comprises: a plurality of input/outputportals, each comprising one or more ports; an energy transfer reactancecomprising an inductor and a capacitor in parallel, wherein each saidport of each said input/output portal is connected in parallel to eachend of said energy transfer reactance by a pair of bidirectionalswitching devices; wherein, at various times, said energy transferreactance can be connected to two said ports, to transfer energy therebetween; and wherein, at various times, said energy transfer reactancecan be disconnected from said input/output portals; generating a firstDC power signal using a DC power source connected to a firstinput/output portal of the bidirectional multiport power convertersupplying converted power under normal conditions to a load connected toa second input/output portal of the bidirectional multiport powerconverter; storing power in a bank of batteries to provide a second DCpower signal connected to a third input/output portal of thebidirectional multiport power converter; connecting an AC generator tothe load; and activating the AC generator to supply the required powerto the load when the load requires more required power than the DC powersource can generate and the bank of batteries can supply; wherein thebank of batteries supplies a converted required power to the load whenthe load requires more required power than the DC power source cangenerate.
 33. The method for providing uninterruptible power of claim32, further comprising: generating more power than the required power topower the load using the DC source; and operating the bidirectionalmultiport power converter to convert the excess required power to acharging DC power signal to provide to the bank of batteries to chargethe bank of batteries.
 34. The method for providing uninterruptiblepower of claim 32, further comprising: generating less power than therequired power to power the load using the DC source; and operating thebidirectional multiport power converter to deliver the required power tothe load using the third input/output portal from the bank of batteries.35. The method for providing uninterruptible power of claim 32, furthercomprising: generating less power than the required power to power theload using either the DC source or the bank of batteries; generatingexcess power while providing the required power to the load with the ACgenerator; and operating the bidirectional multiport power converter toreceive excess power at the second input/output portal to convert to acharging DC power signal and charge the bank of batteries from the thirdinput/output portal.
 36. The method for providing uninterruptible powerof claim 32, further comprising: generating more power than the requiredpower to power the load using the AC generator to produce excess power;and operating the bidirectional multiport power converter to receive theexcess power at the second input/output portal of the bidirectionalmultiport power converter to convert to a charging DC power signal toprovide to the bank of batteries to charge the bank of batteries usingthe third input/output portal.
 37. The method for providinguninterruptible power of claim 32, wherein the AC generator comprises adual mode generator that can function as a motor.
 38. The method forproviding uninterruptible power of claim 32, wherein the load comprisesat least one of: an installation; a building; a commercial building; aconveyance; a communication tower; and a computer server facility.